Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi has defended the government’s decision to compensate victims of protests and their families, describing the plan as just, timely and aligned with the constitutional obligation to uphold human rights.
Speaking at a fundraiser in Suna East, Migori County, Mr Mbadi said the initiative was rooted in constitutional provisions that allow the creation of an emergency fund based on need.
He argued that the move signalled the administration’s commitment to reconciliation, justice and healing for communities affected by political unrest.
The plan follows President William Ruto’s August 8 announcement of a task force to develop a framework for compensating Kenyans killed or maimed in demonstrations since 2017. The proclamation has drawn criticism from opposition leaders, including Kalonzo Musyoka and Eugene Wamalwa, who questioned the executive’s credibility in managing the process.
Mr Mbadi dismissed the opposition’s stance as unproductive, urging leaders to support efforts that serve the public interest. “People have lost lives during demonstrations; it did not start with this government. People have been killed and maimed. This country must respect the rule of law and uphold human rights,” he said.
He further noted that extrajudicial killings predate the current administration, citing incidents during previous governments. “People who were killed and dumped in River Yala were found when Eugene Wamalwa was a cabinet minister, when Matiang’i was Interior Minister,” he added.
Mr Musyoka and Mr Wamalwa have proposed that the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights oversee the compensation process, arguing that only an independent body can ensure transparency.
Migori Governor Ochilo Ayacko, who also attended the event, called for closer collaboration between the National Assembly and county governments to strengthen devolution and improve service delivery.
